Urgent call for consensus by bishops of Ecuador to avoid “destroying the country”

Quito, Ecuador, Apr 3, 2007 / 11:02 am MT (CNA).- In a statement entitled, “Let’s Not Destroy the Country,” the Bishops’ Conference of Ecuador has expressed its concern over the growing political tension the country’s government and has called on all sides to come to a consensus in order “to build a new homeland.”

The bishops acknowledged in their statement that calls for a referendum on whether to establish a Constituent Assembly, which is being promoted by the executive branch, is “an aspiration of the Ecuadorian people.”

Nevertheless, they point out, this plan, which has been “enthusiastically adopted by President Rafael Correa,” is opposed by other political factions that have tried to prevent it from taking place, thus leading to a “confrontation between different powers of the State.”

This confrontation, the bishops continued, which is characterized by violent language, disregard for the law, and distortion of the country’s Constitution, “is leading to country to disintegration.” “At this moment we don’t know who to respect or support,” as the administration, the Congress and Courts are all “contradicting each other” and “creating confusion.”

The bishops warned that “one cannot see an adversary in everyone who thinks differently or has a different point of view. Nor can one characterize every different proposal as opposition,” they said.

The bishops encouraged politicians to consider all proposals and to work to establish consensus and unity, “the fundamental aspects of democracy.”

They conclude their statement with a plea “to God to open the minds and hearts of our government leaders to bring closeness, unity and fraternity to all Ecuadorians and to truly build a new homeland and a dignified and upright people.”